Author

Erin Nicks

Erin Nicks has been writing for 20 years and is the author of nearly 30 textbooks. She has written for outlets such as NHL.com, Yahoo!, and Red Line Editorial.

Author’s articles

How to budget for a home

Erin Nicks May 10, 2023

Budgeting for a home, especially for first-time homebuyers, is often daunting. Common sense dictates buyers should buy the house they can afford. However, that amount is going to differ for everyone. The median sales price for a new home in January 2023 was $427,500. So where do you begin to prepare, and how does a buyer stay on track? Here’s everything you need to know about how to budget for a home.
When’s the best time to buy a home?

Erin Nicks May 3, 2023

Are you a buyer overwhelmed with information when looking for the best time to buy a home? You aren’t alone. A quick search will provide advice on seasons, dates, and even days of the week that are potentially advantageous.
Which sustainable features make a new house a better choice?

Erin Nicks April 21, 2023

“Sustainability” is of the first words new home buyers will encounter during their search for a new place to live. Builders know that new home buyers want to save money by living in greener, high-efficiency homes that are easier on the wallet and the environment.
How to read a floor plan

Erin Nicks April 8, 2023

You’ve purchased your new home and are waiting for it to be built. During one of your meetings with the builder, you’re presented with the floor plan of your new home. But how to read a floor plan? What are you looking at, anyway? Is that line a window or a door? Is that round thing supposed to be a sink or a tub?

Your floor plan will give you a solid idea of where your home’s critical parts will be. But if you don’t know how to read a plan, you’ll likely be left with more questions than answers.
How to increase your credit score

Erin Nicks April 4, 2023

What defines a good credit score, and what can you do to improve it? This is your definitive guide to credit scores and everything you need to know.
Which master-planned community suits your lifestyle?

Erin Nicks March 31, 2023

Long past are the days when a buyer moved into a master-planned community, and the only thing to do was jump into a tepid pool. As builders look to bring in buyers, they are broadening their range of amenities to suit different lifestyles. Swimming pools are out, and fishing ponds are in. But which master-planned community suits your lifestyle?
How to buy a condo

Erin Nicks March 14, 2023

You aren’t alone if you’re wondering how to buy a condo. With soaring interest rates pricing many people out of traditional single-family homes, condo living can make much sense for the right person or family.
New home design 101: How to make the most of your new space

Erin Nicks February 24, 2023

Your new home is finally purchased — you’ve cleared all the hurdles in securing the mortgage, and now you’re playing the waiting game. The builder has given you a timeline for when you can expect to move in, but what should you do in the meantime?
Moving to Arizona with a dog

Erin Nicks January 18, 2023

This article has the information you need to move to Arizona with a dog. You’ll learn how to protect your dog from the desert heat and local pests.
The top 15 home builders of 2022

Erin Nicks January 15, 2023

Builder 100’s annual event is coming this spring, with the 2023 recipients announced in May. In the meantime, Livabl looks back at the top 15 new home builders of 2022.
How to find a good school district

Erin Nicks January 9, 2023

Finding a good school district is part of the new home search for current and potential future parents. You should look into the school’s rankings online and interview the principal, teachers, as well as members of the parents’ association, to name a few things.
How to choose the right neighborhood

Erin Nicks January 4, 2023

This article has all the information you need to pick a neighborhood as a homeowner. We’ve broken down the research you should do about the areas where you want to live.
Together with family: What is multigenerational housing?

Erin Nicks December 12, 2022

Picture it: It’s another family gathering, and the older relatives tell stories about back in the day when everyone lived together under one roof. You…
What to look for in a cross-country mover

Erin Nicks December 7, 2022

Finding a cross-country mover doesn’t have to be a major hassle. This article has expert advice on how to research movers, the questions you should be asking about insurance, how to read the fine print to avoid pitfalls, and much more.
Arizona housing market predictions for 2022 – 2023

Erin Nicks November 8, 2022

Do you like wild rides? How about intrigue and drama? For this storyline, you don’t need to stream the latest series on Netflix. Just seek out the latest Arizona housing market predictions for 2022-2023 and hold on tight.
What to know about buying an investment property

Erin Nicks November 1, 2022

Purchasing your first rental property is the biggest (and possibly the most nerve-wracking) decision you’ll make as an investor. Don’t think you can do it? With a bit of knowledge and common sense, you’ll secure your first investment and be on the way to earning passive income.